Layout processing system, layout-image forming apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable medium

ABSTRACT

A layout processing system includes a detector, a transmission unit, and a generator. The detector detects a location of an object included in a layout. The transmission unit transmits changed location information regarding a changed location of the object if location information regarding the location of the object is the changed location information. The generator receives the changed location information from the transmission unit, generates layout data including the changed location information, and provides a user with the layout data.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-098220 filed May 17, 2017.

BACKGROUND (i) Technical Field

The present invention relates to a layout processing system, a layout-image forming apparatus, and a non-transitory computer readable medium.

(ii) Related Art

A golfer aiming to improve his or her score ideally performs course management, looking at a yardage book with detail data. However, actually, yardage books are not used for a larger number of golf country clubs. In addition, even if a yardage book is used for a golf country club, the golfer does not feel free to use the yardage book because the yardage book is comparatively expensive. Moreover, even if a course strategy is plotted in advance by using the yardage book, the golfer finds locations of tees and pins only after entering a course. This leads to the necessity for re-measurement and re-calculation of distances, which are time consuming in addition to club selection.

A golf course is taken as an example in the description above; however, an example of the related art is not limited to the golf course example. A system that adaptively changes a layout having elements in variable locations and that quickly and simply provides a user with the latest layout is desired.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a layout processing system including a detector, a transmission unit, and a generator. The detector detects a location of an object included in a layout. The transmission unit transmits changed location information regarding a changed location of the object if location information regarding the location of the object is the changed location information. The generator receives the changed location information from the transmission unit, generates layout data including the changed location information, and provides a user with the layout data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail based on the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the configuration of the exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a yardage book;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of hole data;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a change in a cup location;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of processing in the exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagram of the configuration of a system in the exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of golfer information;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a strategic route (Example 1);

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the strategic route (Example 2);

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating records of shot points;

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a yardage book with golf play record (Example 1);

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a yardage book with golf play record (Example 2);

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a yardage book with golf play record (Example 3);

FIGS. 14A and 14B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a layout change in a modification; and

FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram in the modification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings by taking a golf course layout as an example of a layout.

Configuration

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the configuration of a layout processing system in the exemplary embodiment. The layout processing system includes a multifunctional printer 10 serving as a reception unit, a transmission unit, or a transfer unit, sensors 40 each serving as a detector, and a cloud server 50 serving as a generator.

The multifunctional printer 10 has multiple functions such as copying, printing, faxing, and scanning and is installed in a predetermined location, for example, in a clubhouse or an office of a golf country club. The multifunctional printer 10 includes an integrated circuit (IC) card reading device 12, a system controller 14, a memory 16, a scanner 18, a printer 20, an operation unit/display 22, a communication interface (I/F) 24, a communication controller 26, a memory 28, an image processing unit 30, and an antenna 32.

The IC card reading device 12 is a device for reading information regarding a golfer who is a user. The golfer information specifically includes identification information regarding the golfer, tees and clubs used by the golfer, carry distances, a favorite distance, the style of play, and the like. These pieces of information are stored in advance in an IC card by the golfer by using a personal computer (PC) or another device. Instead of using the IC card reading device 12, the golfer may input the information by operating the operation unit/display 22. The IC card reading device 12 is also used to input information regarding payment for a fee, that is, a yardage book fee by using electronic money.

The system controller 14 controls overall operations of the multifunctional printer 10 and implements various functions by reading and running processing programs stored in program memories such as a read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), and a solid state drive (SSD). Specifically, the functions are receiving data transmitted from the sensors 40 installed in the predetermined locations of the golf course, processing the received data, transmitting the data to the cloud server 50, receiving yardage book data generated by the cloud server 50, outputting the received yardage book data, and other functions. The system controller 14 includes one or more processors.

The memory 16 includes a HDD, a SSD, or the like and stores therein various pieces of data and information input from the IC card reading device 12, a scanner, the operation unit/display 22, the antenna 32, and the cloud server 50.

The scanner 18 scans a document at a predetermined resolution and in a predetermined color mode. The document includes a yardage book held by the golfer.

In accordance with an instruction from the golfer or another operator, the printer 20 performs printing and output on the basis of the yardage book data generated by and received from the cloud server 50. The printer 20 has a configuration of a publicly known inkjet system and performs printing on paper on the basis of drawing data. Liquid or fused solid ink is discharged from a nozzle or the like, and recording is performed on paper, a film, or another medium. Examples of an ink discharging system include a drop-on-demand system (pressure pulse method) in which ink is discharged by using electrostatic attraction, a thermal inkjet system in which ink is discharged by using a pressure generated by forming and growing bubbles by using a high temperature, and other systems. The printer 20 includes recording heads such as heads for discharging cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks. A line head including the recording heads and having at least the same length as the length of the paper is used. Drops of the inks of the respective colors are jetted to an intermediate transfer body by using the recording heads, and recording is thereby performed. Thereafter, the inks are transferred onto the paper, and printing is thereby performed.

The operation unit/display 22 includes a touch panel and the like and is operated by the golfer or another operator to input data and an instruction that are needed.

The communication I/F 24 connects the cloud server (the Internet server) 50 and the multifunctional printer 10 to be able to exchange data with each other via the Internet, a local area network (LAN), or the like.

The communication controller 26 controls operation of the communication I/F 24 and thereby controls communication between the multifunctional printer 10 and the cloud server 50 and communication between the multifunctional printer 10 and the sensors 40. The communication controller 26 includes one or more processors. The function of the communication controller 26 may be implemented by the system controller 14.

The memory 28 includes a program memory such as a ROM and a working memory such as a random-access memory (RAM). The system controller 14 accesses the memory 28 and executes various processes.

The image processing unit 30 includes a paper feed module, a document feed module, and an image processing accelerator. The paper feed module is a module for transporting a sheet of paper from a paper tray to the printer 20. The document feed module is a module for transporting a document from the document tray to the scanner 18. The image processing accelerator is a module for executing a compression/decompression process in conjunction with the scanner 18 or another device. The image processing accelerator is not necessarily provided and may be an additional module.

The antenna 32 receives data from the sensors 40. Although FIG. 1 illustrates the two sensors 40, the number of sensors 40 is not limited to two. However, from the viewpoints of cost and maintenance, it is not practical to install an outrageously large number of sensors 40, and a minimum number of sensors 40 needed for generating a yardage book may be installed. Specifically, as to be described later, it is desirable to install the sensors 40 in the locations of tees, fairway (FW) flags, and cups. The sensors 40 wirelessly transmit pieces of data regarding the respective installation locations, that is, tee location data, FW flag location data, cup location data (these pieces of location data are appropriately referred to as “hole data”). The antenna 32 receives the hole data from the sensors 40. Note that Internet of the Things (IoT) wide-area wireless having a battery life of about ten years and a maximum transmission distance of about 15 km is standardized by Long-Range (LoRa) or the like, and the sensors 40 complying with such a standard may be used. Since communication with a small amount of power output and a long distance may be performed in LoRa, LoRa is suitable for constructing a network including IoT devices wirelessly connected in a star topology via a gateway. In the exemplary embodiment, the multifunctional printer 10 functions as the gateway for the IoT devices. However, application of the exemplary embodiment is not limited to application to a specific standard.

The system controller 14 determines whether there is a changed golf course layout on the basis of the hole data received from the sensors 40 via the antenna 32. If there is a changed golf course layout, that is, if there is changed location data in at least one of the tee location data, the FW flag location data, and the cup location data, the system controller 14 transmits the changed location data to the cloud server 50 via the communication I/F 24. If there is no changed golf course layout, that is, if there is no changed location data in any of the tee location data, the FW flag location data, and the cup location data, the system controller 14 does not transmit the hole data received from the sensors 40 to the cloud server 50. Only if there is changed hold data, the system controller 14 transmits the changed hole data to the cloud server 50. This enables avoidance of unnecessary data transmission and thus communication traffic reduction. In addition, in a case where the golfer information is input, the system controller 14 also transmits the golfer information to the cloud server 50.

The cloud server 50 generates yardage book data by using the changed location data and the golfer information received from the multifunctional printer 10. The yardage book is a document describing information needed for the golfer to select an appropriate club and thus to take a perfect shot, the information regarding right and left tee locations, FW flag locations, cup locations, out of bounds (OB) areas, various hazards (bunkers, ponds, trees, and stones), the slopes of greens, display of a remaining distance, and the like in the golf course. The yardage book is also referred to as a “golf memorandum” in some cases. The cloud server 50 generates a yardage book template in advance and stores the yardage book template in a memory of the cloud server 50. The cloud server 50 edits the yardage book template and thereby generates yardage book data including the changed location data and the golfer information reflected therein. The cloud server 50 stores the generated yardage book data in the memory and transmits the yardage book data to the multifunctional printer 10. The cloud server 50 transmits the yardage book data to the multifunctional printer 10 in response to a request from the multifunctional printer 10.

Yardage Book

FIG. 2 illustrates an example yardage book. FIG. 2 illustrates a left tee location 60, a right tee location 62, a FW flag location 64, and a cup location 66 in a golf course. The cup location 66 is illustrated in detail in an enlarged part 67 of a green. FIG. 2 also illustrates a distance from the tee location to the FW flag location (230 yards in FIG. 2), a distance from the FW flag location to the green (120 yards in FIG. 2), a distance from the FW flag location to the cup location (135 yards in FIG. 2), and distances from the ends of the green to the cup location (10 yards and 15 yards, respectively, in FIG. 2). Note that although tee locations include a back tee location, a regular tee location, and a ladies' tee location, FIG. 2 illustrates only the regular tee locations representing the other tee locations. Although the OB area, various hazards, the slope of the green, yardage markers, and the like are omitted in FIG. 2, these pieces of information are illustrated in the yardage book as needed. The golfer refers to such a yardage book and plots a course strategy.

Hole Data

FIG. 3 illustrates example hole data transmitted from one of the sensors 40. The sensor 40 is disposed in a cup location, and the hole data is data regarding the cup location. The sensor 40 transmits a set of an identifier, a course name, a hole number, and location information.

-   Specifically, -   identifier=cup; -   course name=YYY course in XXX Country Club; -   hole number=1; and -   location information=latitude, longitude, altitude, geodetic     accuracy, and positioning time. -   Each sensor 40 transmits the pieces of data to the multifunctional     printer 10 at regular intervals, and the multifunctional printer 10     receives the pieces of data via the antenna 32.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an example of a change in the cup location. Basically, the cup location is regularly changed to another location as far away as possible from the location on the previous day to prevent grass from being damaged locally. For example, a hole location on the previous day having location information=(x1, y1, z1, and t1) as illustrated in FIG. 4A is changed to a hole location today having location information=(x2, y2, z2, and t2) as illustrated in FIG. 4B. Note that x1 and x2 denote longitude, y1 and y2 denote latitude, z1 and z2 denote altitude, and t1 and t2 denote positioning time. The positioning time is composed of year, month, date, and time. The system controller 14 of the multifunctional printer 10 compares these pieces of data received via the antenna 32 and determines whether there is a changed cup location. In the above-described example, the system controller 14 determines that there is a changed cup location because of (x1, y1, and z1)≠(x2, y2, and z2) and transmits the changed cup location data to the cloud server 50. The cloud server 50 generates yardage book data by using the cup location data and golfer information received from the multifunctional printer 10.

Processing Flowchart

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of processing performed by the multifunctional printer 10 and the cloud server 50.

The multifunctional printer 10 receives hole data transmitted from the sensors 40 at regular intervals via the antenna 32 (S101). The received hole data is stored in the memory 16. Specifically, the pieces of hole data from the sensors 40 disposed in the tee locations, the sensors 40 disposed in the FW flag locations, and the sensors 40 disposed in the cup locations are classified by identifier and hole number and are stored in the memory 16 in a time series. For example, in the case of identifier=cup and hole number=1, the pieces of data are

-   p=(x1, y1, z1, σ1, and t1), -   p2=(x1, y1, z1, σ1, and t2), -   p3=(x1, y1, z1, σ1, and t3), -   p4=(x2, y2, z2, σ1, and t4), -   . . . .     Note that t1 to t3 denote different times on the same day, and t4     denotes time on a different day. Since the cup location is changed     every day, t4 that is a time on the different day has different     longitude and latitude values from those in t1 to t3. In addition,     σ1 denotes geodetic accuracy.

The system controller 14 of the multifunctional printer 10 reads out the hole data stored in the memory 16 and determines whether there is changed location information (S102). For example, regarding the cup location data, the system controller 14 compares the most recent received data with data received just before the most recent received data and determines whether there is changed location information. If a difference between pieces of location information is larger than a predetermined allowance, the system controller 14 may determine that there is changed location information. If the difference between the pieces of location information is equal to or smaller than the allowance, the system controller 14 may determine that there is no changed location information.

For example, comparison between p4 that is the most recent hole data and p3 that is the second recent hole data reveals x1≠x2, y1≠y2, and z1≠z2, and this denotes that there is changed location information. If there is changed location information, the system controller 14 of the multifunctional printer 10 transmits (transfers) the hole data to the cloud server 50 via the communication controller 26 and the communication I/F 24 (S103). The same holds true for tee location data and FW flag location data. If there is changed location information, the system controller 14 transmits the data to the cloud server 50. If there is no changed location information, the system controller 14 does not transmit (transfer) the hole data.

The processor of the cloud server 50 receives the hole data transmitted from the multifunctional printer 10, generates yardage book data serving as course layout data by using the received hole data, and stores the yardage book data in the memory of the cloud server 50 (S104). Specifically, the processor of the cloud server 50 generates a yardage book template in advance on the basis of standard tee, FW flag, and cup locations of the golf course and stores the yardage book template in the memory. The processor edits the yardage book template by using the hole data received from the multifunctional printer 10 and thereby generates yardage book data. The processor may edit yardage book data generated and stored in the memory, instead of the yardage book template, by using the changed hole data and may generate new yardage book data. For example, if the cup location is (x1, y1, and z1) in the generated yardage book data, and if the changed cup location is (x2, y2, and z2), the processor recalculates a distance from the FW flag location to the cup location by using a difference between the locations and edits the generated yardage book data by rewriting a remaining distance from the FW flag location to the cup location in the yardage book data. If the yardage book data includes information regarding the slope of the green, the processor may rewrite the information regarding the slope of the green with respect to the changed cup location. For example, “an upslope from the end of the green” is rewritten to “a downslope from the end of the green” or the like.

In response to a request from the multifunctional printer 10, the processor reads out, from the memory, the generated yardage book data as the course layout data and transmits the yardage book data to the multifunctional printer 10 (S105). The request from the multifunctional printer 10 includes golfer information. The cloud server 50 reflects the golfer information in the yardage book data and thereafter transmits the yardage book data to the multifunctional printer 10. Generating yardage book data with golfer information taken into consideration will further be described later. The multifunctional printer 10 prints and outputs a yardage book on the basis of the yardage book data received from the cloud server 50. The golfer obtains the yardage book. The yardage book is the latest yardage book with the changed location information being reflected in the yardage book. The golfer operates the multifunctional printer 10 in the golf country club, for example, on the day when they play golf and thereby easily obtains the yardage book in which changed tee, FW flag, and cup locations on the day are reflected.

In contrast, suppose a case where there is no changed location information. In this case, since the cloud server 50 has the yardage book data generated by using previous hole data in the memory, the cloud server 50 reads out the yardage book data from the memory in response to the request from the multifunctional printer 10 and transmits the yardage book data to the multifunctional printer 10.

As described above, the multifunctional printer 10 has functions of receiving location data from the sensors 40 and transferring needed location data (location data including a changed location) to the cloud server 50 and thus may be referred to as the multifunctional printer 10 having an IoT gateway function. The multifunctional printer 10 having the IoT gateway function basically performs the following operations:

-   receiving hole data transmitted from the sensors 40; filtering     received hole data and transferring only hole data satisfying a     predetermined condition (a location change in the exemplary     embodiment) to the cloud server 50; transmitting, to the cloud     server 50, a request from the golfer for obtaining a yardage book; -   receiving golfer information input by the golfer and transmitting     the golfer information to the cloud server 50; receiving yardage     book data generated by the cloud server 50; and -   outputting a yardage book on the basis of the received yardage book     data.

In the processing in FIG. 5, the golfer operates the multifunctional printer 10 in the golf country club and requests the yardage book from the cloud server 50, and the cloud server 50 transmits the yardage book to the multifunctional printer 10 in response to the request. However, the golfer may operate a multifunctional printer installed in a place different from the golf country club, for example, in a convenience store, and may thereby request the yardage book from the cloud server 50.

Different System Configuration

FIG. 6 illustrates an example system including the multifunctional printer 10 installed in a golf country club, a multifunctional printer 11 installed in a place different from the golf country club such as a convenience store, and the cloud server 50.

The multifunctional printer 10 transmits hole data to the cloud server 50, and the cloud server 50 generates yardage book data by using the received hole data and stores the yardage book data in the memory of the cloud server 50. The golfer operates the multifunctional printer 11, specifies a golf course, and requests a yardage book from the cloud server 50. The cloud server 50 then reads out the yardage book data from the memory and transmits the yardage book data to the multifunctional printer 11. The multifunctional printer 11 prints and outputs a yardage book 70 on the basis of the yardage book data received from the cloud server 50. In a case where the golfer intends to download the yardage book data to a smartphone 72 or another apparatus, the multifunctional printer 11 transmits, to the smartphone 72, the yardage book data received from the cloud server 50.

Alternatively, in a case where the multifunctional printer 11 requests the yardage book data from the multifunctional printer 10, the multifunctional printer 10 requests the cloud server 50 to transmit the yardage book data to the multifunctional printer 10. Upon receiving the yardage book data from the cloud server 50, the multifunctional printer 10 transmits the yardage book data to the multifunctional printer 11. The multifunctional printer 11 prints and outputs the yardage book 70 on the basis of the yardage book data received from the multifunctional printer 10 or transmits the yardage book data to the smartphone 72. If the multifunctional printer 10 has received the yardage book data from the cloud server 50 and has stored the yardage book data in the memory 16, the multifunctional printer 10 may read out the yardage book data from the memory 16 in response to the request from the multifunctional printer 11 and may transmit the yardage book data to the multifunctional printer 11.

Alternatively, if the multifunctional printer 11 requests the yardage book data from the cloud server 50, the cloud server 50 may transmit the yardage book data to the multifunctional printer 10, and the multifunctional printer 10 having received the yardage book data may transmit the received yardage book data to the multifunctional printer 11.

Golfer Information

FIG. 7 illustrates example golfer information input in the multifunctional printer 10 by the golfer. The golfer information includes the identifier of the golfer, a used tee, carry distances of golf clubs, a favorite distance, and the style of play. The used tee is a back tee, a regular tee, a ladies' tee, a silver tee, or the like. The style of play is management-oriented play, aggressive play, or the like. The golfer inputs the pieces of information and requests the cloud server 50 to transmit the yardage book by using the multifunctional printer 10. As described above, the cloud server 50 generates the yardage book data by using the tee location data, the FW flag location data, the cup location data, and the like and simultaneously reflects the received golfer information in the yardage book data. Specifically, on the basis of the used tee, the carry distances of the golf clubs, and the favorite distance, the cloud server 50 automatically selects golf clubs. The cloud server 50 also generates strategic route data in which target carry distances for the first, second, third, and . . . shots and in which a target route are automatically selected. In a basic algorithm for generating strategic route data, a favorite distance is used as much as possible. In addition, safe routing is selected if the style of play is management-oriented play, and shortest routing is selected if the style of play is aggressive play. However, the basic algorithm is not limited to this algorithm.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example strategic route. For the first shot and the second shot, 1W and AW are selected as golf clubs, respectively.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of the generated yardage book with the strategic route. A broken line 74 denotes a target route. In a scenario, hitting the green in two shots is achieved in such a manner that the first shot is taken with 1W aiming at a distance of 250 yards and the second shot is taken with AW aiming at a distance of 100 yards. Since the golfer information includes 100 yards as a favorite distance, a route including the favorite distance is selected.

Yardage Book with Golf Play Record

The golfer actually plays golf, referring to such a yardage book. However, in some cases, the golfer records their actual shot points and used clubs in the yardage book when playing golf. In such cases, the system in the exemplary embodiment may generate a yardage book with golf play record including updated actual shot points and used clubs and provide the golfer with the yardage book.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of points of shots actually taken by the golfer and recorded in the yardage book. In FIG. 10, black circles denote shot points 76 a, 76 b, and 76 c that are actual shot points of the first shot, the second shot, and the third shot, respectively. The golfer uses the scanner 18 of the multifunctional printer 10 to convert the yardage book having the actual shot points and the used clubs recorded therein into electronic data and provides the system controller 14 with the electronic data. The system controller 14 transmits the yardage book data including the shot points and the used clubs read with the scanner 18 to the cloud server 50. The cloud server 50 generates yardage book data with golf play record by using the yardage book data including the shot points and the used clubs and stores the yardage book data with golf play record in the memory of the cloud server 50. The cloud server 50 then transmits the yardage book data with golf play record to the multifunctional printer 10. The multifunctional printer 10 prints and outputs a yardage book with golf play record on the basis of the received data.

FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 each illustrate an example yardage book with golf play record. The yardage book in FIG. 11 illustrates the actual shot points superposed on the strategic route. Thick lines connecting the shot points 76 a, 76 b, and 76 c enable comparison with the broken line 74 representing the strategic route.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example play record list including a 240-yard first shot taken with 1W, a 110-yard second shot taken with PW, a 30-yard third shot taken with SW, and a 5-meter fourth shot taken with PT. The number of shots is 4, and the number of putts is 1. This list enables the golfer to find a point to be improved or a good point when comparing with the strategic route.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example result of an analysis of golf record in which scores, the number of putts, an average carry distance, and the like are described. Referring to data illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 13 enables the golfer to analyze the record in more detail and utilize the analysis for later play because a recorded route and a score are automatically output. The golfer does not have to change a standard manner in which they are playing golf with the yardage book being referred to.

The pace of play is also illustrated in FIG. 13. The pace of play may be calculated in such a manner that, for example, global positioning system (GPS) log data regarding a golf cart is received by the antenna 32 of the multifunctional printer 10 and transmitted to the cloud server 50. It goes without saying that the identifier of the golfer and identification information regarding the golf cart are associated with each other.

The exemplary embodiment of the present invention has heretofore been described but is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiment. Various modifications may be made, and the modifications will be described below.

Modification 1

In the exemplary embodiment, a yardage book for golf is taken as an example of layout data. In addition to this, the exemplary embodiment is also applicable to layout data regarding an office or the like.

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate an example of office layout data. Various desks and office equipment including the multifunctional printer 10 and a fax machine 80 are arranged. Suppose a case where the location of the fax machine 80 is changed for some reason. For example, the fax machine 80 is located at the upper right part of the office as illustrated in FIG. 14A and is moved to the lower right part as illustrated in FIG. 14B. The sensor 40 installed on the fax machine 80 transmits data regarding the location of the fax machine 80 to the multifunctional printer 10. The antenna 32 of the multifunctional printer 10 receives the location data from the sensor 40, and it is determined whether there is changed location information. If there is changed location information, the multifunctional printer 10 transmits the changed location data to the cloud server 50.

The cloud server 50 generates office layout data by using the changed location data and stores the office layout data in the memory. In response to a request from the multifunctional printer 10 or a network terminal, the cloud server 50 transmits the generated office layout data to the multifunctional printer 10 or the network terminal. This enables a user in the office to obtain the most recent office layout easily. The moving of the fax machine 80 has heretofore been described in this modification; however, the exemplary embodiment is also applicable to a copier, a printer, and any other office equipment.

In addition to the office layout, the exemplary embodiment is applicable to architectural design drawings. The sensor 40 installed on any component of an architecture transmits location data. The antenna 32 of the multifunctional printer 10 installed in the construction site receives the location data, and the received location data is compared with data regarding the reference location of the sensor 40 in the original architectural design drawing. If there is a difference between the reference location data and the received location data and thus there is a changed location, the multifunctional printer 10 transmits the received location data to the cloud server 50. The cloud server 50 newly generates an architectural design drawing by using the changed location data, stores new office layout data in the memory, and appropriately transmits the office layout data to the multifunctional printer 10 and network terminals.

Further, the exemplary embodiment is applicable to course layouts of various sports such as a course layout of marathon. For example, the sensor 40 disposed in a water station transmits location data. The antenna 32 of the multifunctional printer 10 installed in the organizer's office receives location data, and the received location data is compared with data regarding the reference location of the sensor 40 in the original marathon course. If there is a difference between the reference location data and the received location data and thus there is a changed location, the multifunctional printer 10 transmits the received location data to the cloud server 50. The cloud server 50 newly generates marathon course layout data by using the changed location data, stores the layout data in the memory, and appropriately transmits the layout data to the multifunctional printer 10 and network terminals.

Modification 2

In the exemplary embodiment, the tee location, the FW flag location, and the cup location are detected by the sensors 40 and transmitted to the multifunctional printer 10. If there is changed location data in at least one of these pieces of location data, the changed location data is transmitted to the cloud server 50, and the cloud server 50 generates the yardage book data. However, the golfer who is the user may operate the multifunctional printer 10 and select location data regarding one of a tee location, a FW flag location, and a cup location to be considered when the yardage book data is generated. Only if there is changed location data in the selected location data, the cloud server 50 may generate the yardage book data. For example, if the golfer selects cup location data, and only if there is changed cup location data, the cloud server 50 generates the yardage book data. The golfer who is the user may customize a yardage book data generation process.

Modification 3

In the exemplary embodiment, the multifunctional printer 10 transmits the changed location data to the cloud server 50, and the cloud server 50 generates the yardage book data and provides the multifunctional printer 10 with the yardage book data. However, the multifunctional printer 10 may generate the yardage book data by using the changed location data. In this case, the function of the cloud server 50 is incorporated in the multifunctional printer 10, and the multifunctional printer 10 functions as the transmission unit and the generator. In addition, the multifunctional printer 10 may be regarded as a layout-image forming apparatus that prints and outputs a yardage book.

Modification 4

In the exemplary embodiment, the case where the yardage book data is delivered to a mobile terminal such as the smartphone 72 has also been described. In this case, a wind direction or the like may be detected by the sensor 40 in real time, and data regarding the wind direction may be transmitted to the multifunctional printer 10. The multifunctional printer 10 may then transmit the wind direction data to the smartphone 72. Referring to not only the yardage book but also the wind direction data enables the golfer to more properly perform course management. In this case, the multifunctional printer 10 may also transmit the wind direction data to the smartphone 72 via the golf cart.

Modification 5

In the exemplary embodiment, the case where the yardage book data is delivered to a mobile terminal such as the smartphone 72 has also been described. In this case, the pieces of yardage book data may be serially displayed in a predetermined screen transition order. For example, the golfer's present location and a course layout are displayed on the main screen. The screen transitions in such a manner as to display a distance to the cup location and to be enlarged and scrolled with the movement of the golfer toward a green. A recommended golf club and a target carry distance may also be displayed in the lower part of the screen. Moreover, the touch panel of the smartphone may be operated to input actual shot point information, the actual shot point information may be uploaded to the multifunctional printer 10, and thereby the yardage book with golf play record may be generated. The same holds true for used clubs. The touch panel of the smartphone may be operated to input information regarding actually used clubs, the used club information may be uploaded to the multifunctional printer 10, and thereby the yardage book with golf play record may be generated. Note that shot points and used clubs in the strategic route may be compared with the actual shot points and the used clubs. If the actual shot points and the used clubs match those in the strategic route, uploading does not have to be performed. If the actual shot points and the used clubs do not match those in the strategic route, and if there is a difference therebetween, uploading may be performed.

Modification 6

In the exemplary embodiment, the cloud server 50 stores the generated yardage book data in the memory. The golfer operates the multifunctional printer 10, and the multifunctional printer 10 thereby transmits a request to the cloud server 50. In response to the request, the cloud server 50 transmits the yardage book data to the multifunctional printer 10. However, upon generating the yardage book data, the cloud server 50 may transmit the yardage book data to the multifunctional printer 10. In response to the request from the golfer, the multifunctional printer 10 may output, that is, print the yardage book 70 on the basis of the yardage book data. Alternatively, the yardage book data may be downloaded to the smartphone 72 and then be output.

FIG. 15 is a diagram of a sequence of operations performed by the cloud server 50, the sensor 40, and the multifunctional printer 10 in this case.

The sensor 40 transmits hole data at regular intervals. The antenna 32 of the multifunctional printer 10 serially receives the pieces of hole data transmitted from the sensor 40. The system controller 14 determines whether there is changed location data in the pieces of location data. If there is no changed location data in the pieces of location data, the hole data is not transmitted (transferred) to the cloud server 50. If there is changed location data, the hole data is transmitted (transferred) to the cloud server 50. The cloud server 50 receives the hole data from the multifunctional printer 10 and generates yardage book data by using the received hole data. In a case where the multifunctional printer 10 transmits golfer information, the cloud server 50 receives the golfer information and generates the yardage book data by using the received golfer information in addition to the hole data. However, the transmission of the golfer information is not illustrated in FIG. 15. The cloud server 50 transmits the generated yardage book data to the multifunctional printer 10 quickly. The multifunctional printer 10 stores the received yardage book data in the memory 16. The golfer operates the multifunctional printer 10 to request the yardage book. In response to the request, the system controller 14 reads out the corresponding yardage book data from the memory 16. The system controller 14 prints and outputs the yardage book 70 on the basis of the yardage book data or downloads the yardage book to the smartphone 72. It goes without saying that if the golfer has input the golfer information, the yardage book data is read out by using the identifier of the golfer (see FIG. 7).

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A layout processing system comprising: a detector that detects a location of an object included in a layout; a transmission unit that transmits changed location information regarding a changed location of the object if location information regarding the location of the object is the changed location information; and a generator that receives the changed location information from the transmission unit, generates layout data including the changed location information, and provides a user with the layout data.
 2. The layout processing system according to claim 1, wherein the layout is a golf course layout, wherein the object is at least one of a tee, a fairway flag, and a cup, and wherein the layout data is yardage book data.
 3. The layout processing system according to claim 2, wherein the transmission unit that further transmits, as information regarding the user, information regarding at least one of a used tee, a carry distance of a club, a favorite distance, and a style of play, and wherein the generator generates the yardage book data by using the information regarding the user.
 4. The layout processing system according to claim 3, wherein the transmission unit further transmits actual-shot-point location information regarding a point of an actual shot taken by the user and used club information, and wherein the generator generates yardage book data with play record by using the actual-shot-point location information and the used club information.
 5. The layout processing system according to claim 2, wherein the transmission unit is a multifunctional printer installed in a golf country club, and wherein the generator is a server connected to the multifunctional printer.
 6. The layout processing system according to claim 3, wherein the transmission unit is a multifunctional printer installed in a golf country club, and wherein the generator is a server connected to the multifunctional printer.
 7. The layout processing system according to claim 4, wherein the transmission unit is a multifunctional printer installed in a golf country club, and wherein the generator is a server connected to the multifunctional printer.
 8. The layout processing system according to claim 5, wherein the generator provides the user with the yardage book data by transmitting the yardage book data to the multifunctional printer installed in the golf country club or a multifunctional printer installed in a place other than the golf country club.
 9. The layout processing system according to claim 1, wherein the layout is an office layout, and wherein the object is office equipment in an office.
 10. The layout processing system according to claim 1, wherein the layout is a design drawing, and wherein the object is a component of the design drawing.
 11. A layout-image forming apparatus comprising: a reception unit that receives location information regarding a location of an object included in a layout from a detector that detects the location; a transfer unit that transfers, to a server, changed location information regarding a changed location of the object if the location information is the changed location information; and an output unit that receives, from the server, layout data generated by the server and including the changed location information and that outputs the layout data.
 12. The layout-image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the layout is a golf course layout, wherein the object is at least one of a tee, a fairway flag, and a cup, and wherein the layout data is yardage book data.
 13. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program causing a computer to execute a process, the process comprising: receiving location information regarding a location of an object included in a layout from a sensor that detects the location; transferring, to a server, changed location information regarding a changed location of the object if the location information is the changed location information; and receiving generated layout data that includes the changed location information from the server and outputting the layout data. 